Questions on ammo. . .
 

What's the best defensive round out (most effective, quality, reliable...)?








*(I have searched the forum, but found nothing specifically asking this)*

Picking up my first gun (Glock 39) and am not one to skimp on quality over a few dollars.

I'm a fan of Speer Gold Dot. It's what I carry on duty in my .40 and off duty in my 9mm and 45GAP. For the GAP I carry 200g bullets.

The pistol was designed around the 200-gr Gold Dot, but offerings from Federal, Winchester and Cor-Bon are all excellent choices.

I know this, but is there a certain round that tops them all?

I like the Federal HST's in 230 grain and the Corbon Barnes all copper round.

There are too many variables to say which one is best. The general rule is to use a bonded bullet to prevent the jacket from separating and the lead core from shattering / breaking apart.

When I went to gunsite some 20 years ago, The Guru professed the value of a 200 grn flat point, stating it punched a hole like a paper punch where a round nose punched a hole more like a knitting needle.

I place more value on shot placement than bullet type. If you hit an assailant in the chest with 2-3 rds of 200 grn anything, you will probably take the fight out of him (or her).

All Copper bullets have their place, but the performance data is just not there for me (YMMV). If you have to shoot through a barrier, the copper bullet is not so good.

• Shoot a bonded bullet (My preference is the Speer GDHP)
• Shot placement
• Shoot until you defeat your threat.

DannyR,

Like the new avatar, retirement looks great on you!

Thanks for credible responses.

After looking into ammo further, the most recommended round was the Speer Gold Dot 200gr. HP.

I plan on getting 100 rounds of that for carrying.

What would be the best (or highly recommended) round for target/range? I heard stories of some (Winchester comes to mind) ruining barrels and/or jamming.

If you're settled on the Gold Dot, then Speer's Lawman will give you near identical trajectory and feel to their defensive rounds.

I'm another that would support the Federal HST as my #1 choice. Ranger T is my #2. Gold Dots or the copper bullets are my #3 choice. The bonded bullets get a very good rep for barrier penetration, but that is mostly due to the FBI windshield tests. Doubt you'll be shooting through a windshield. HST and Ranger T have gone head and shoulders above all others for expansion through heavy clothing even at the lower velocities that I would expect from the G39. I haven't seen anybody actually do a G39 comparison of the major brands, but in other guns, and especially short barrel pistols as well as with .45 ACP the Winchester Ranger T and Federal HST knocked it out of the park.

if its as good as the .45acp like many say then any descent standard pressure 230gr. h.p. will do nicely.

Cowboy:

Very same bullet at very same velocity = very same performance.

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Lots of folks carry that round, is it a bonded bullet?

I'm a huge fan of Winchester Ranger T series +P.:supergrin:

For SD, I like the 200gr Gold Dots.

I presently carry Federal Law Enforcement Tactical HST ammo in my GAP's. Product number P45GHST1, a 230-gr with a velocity of 855fps, per Federal.

We issue the same as the PA. State Police- Good results from us and PSP. Speer 200 grn. HP Gold Dot.

Vote for 200 gr Gold Dots
 

Just read this review on Midway and thought it interesting:

This is the issued ammo for my duty weapon Glock 37. I just qualified at the range a couple of days ago and was pleased with the very tight groupings that it produced. In the 3 years since the use of this caliber began among law enforcement circles here in New York this round has produced nearly 100% one shot stoppages including one that recently occurred about 75 miles north of New York City. Everyone in Law Enforcement that carries this particular 200 grain round can't stop raving about it. An absolute must have if this is now the caliber that you carry.

Like.

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Yup, Hell of a round and pistol!!! We like ours and the 200 grn. GD's.

How many stories like this do you hear about the 40 S&W??? :dunno:

I'm guessing I could find a few, but I get your point. Outside of the 'answer to a question that nobody asks' routine, how could you fault this round?

Yup, same here and we're 16 for 16 with the round.

I believe the only failure to stop with NYSP is the Robert Moses Parkway OIS. COM hit and the BG kept on attacking the Tpr until a few civilians chased him and he collopsed over a 100 yards away and expired.